Schools boss plans Mu Pa’s education

By Nathawat Laping 
The Nation

 

 

As the 12 members of Mu Pa football team began their first day of Buddhist monastic routines at Chiang Rai's Wat Phra That Doi Tung on Thursday, Chiang Rai Primary Educational Service director Kittichai Muangma revealed his plan to teach the 11 novices at the monasteries so they could catch up with classmates.
 

His office spoke to the boys' schools while they were still trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave about tutoring so they could catch up with their peers.

 

Kittichai said the novices would be provided with maths, science, English, Thai and social studies lessons plus homework when not practising dhamma at Wat Phra That Doi Wao.

 

After the novices leave the monkshood on August 4, the tutoring would continue to ensure they did not fall behind. For the first period when they return to school, they would also study during the weekends, Kittichai said.

 

Coach Ekkapol Chantawong, now a monk with the monastic name "Wisarntho" (the wise and brave one) derived from his role in helping the boys survive, will complete the three-month "pansa" rain retreat.

 

The 11 novices and Phra Wisarntho, appearing cheerful and smiling, made the morning alms-collecting round for which many residents and 10 friends gave offerings before they continued to perform prayers and meditation.

 

Acting abbot of Wat Phra That Doi Wao, Phra Khru Prayut Jetiyanukarn, later in the morning picked up the 11 novices and Phra Wisarntho from Wat Phra That Doi Tung so that the group can continue the monastic routines at his temple, as previously planned.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30350869

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-07-26

I wonder what would have happened if one of the boy's parents said they had no interest in this and their son wasn't going?

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

Kittichai said the novices would be provided with maths, science, English, Thai and social studies lessons plus homework when not practising dhamma at Wat Phra That Doi Wao

English?

Where did they get that idea from? Is it forward-planning in case any students are trapped in a cave, thereby allowing them to communicate with their rescuers, not having to rely on a non-Thai to translate for them?

 

24 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

I wonder what would have happened if one of the boy's parents said they had no interest in this and their son wasn't going?

Good question. But it's hard to imagine a Thai Buddhist parent refusing to send his/her child to this temple, given the circumstances. Thais are totally conformist in nature (generally speaking) - do not have the moral fibre and sense of principle to 'go against the flow', even if what is being pushed upon them is absurd, ridiculous or just plain wrong (I am not saying, by the way, that getting the boys trained up in meditation and Buddhism is wrong in itself - far from it). 

 

I do feel, though, that a lot of pressure is being put upon these young kids so soon after their nightmare. Now they not only have to learn about Buddhism and meditation, but are additionally expected to do school work too. I personally think this is a bit much - given all they have been through. In fact, I personally don't agree with the way this whole thing is being handled. But - it is for those boys, their families and Thai culture to decide what is the right way to go (even though I myself have misgivings about some of the things that are already happening ...). 

 

Edited July 26, 20187 yr by Eligius

The boys were rescued from the cave due to a magnificent international effort, which should never be forgotten.

Sadly since the boys got out of the cave every word every movement is being controlled by selfish money grabbing individuals, which i find disgusting.

No thought is being given to the boys physical/ mental well being, and it needs to stop now.

2 minutes ago, colinneil said:

The boys were rescued from the cave due to a magnificent international effort, which should never be forgotten.

Sadly since the boys got out of the cave every word every movement is being controlled by selfish money grabbing individuals, which i find disgusting.

No thought is being given to the boys physical/ mental well being, and it needs to stop now.

I agree, Colin. These poor lads lost their freedom inside that cave, and now - immediately afterwards - they are losing all their freedom again and are being completely manipulated and controlled (so it seems to me, anyway) every step of the way. I really don't like what I am seeing at the present time. But the Thais seem happy with it all, so far as I can tell ....

I hope that the Christian lad, who is not in the temple, is getting the same academic support, or is he seen as a lost cause, because he is stateless and not Buddhist!

Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

14 minutes ago, graemeaylward said:

I hope that the Christian lad, who is not in the temple, is getting the same academic support, or is he seen as a lost cause, because he is stateless and not Buddhist!

Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

I believe that he is a boarder at a school run by a Christian foundation. As such I suppose any remedial education will not be in the hands of officialdom. Quite possibly a plus...

Edited July 27, 20187 yr by JAG

15 hours ago, colinneil said:

The boys were rescued from the cave due to a magnificent international effort, which should never be forgotten.

Sadly since the boys got out of the cave every word every movement is being controlled by selfish money grabbing individuals, which i find disgusting.

No thought is being given to the boys physical/ mental well being, and it needs to stop now.

Not only that I understand they went through this together but from now to eternity do they all have to be joined at the hip? If the boys wish to keep in contact or whatever that's fine but all 11 of them doing everything together as part of this gravy train is ridiculous. Let them get on with the lives they are so fortunate to be having.

I understand that it is soon to be announced, as soon as the new uniforms, suitable elaborate backdrop and a couple of new I- Pads become available to manage things, that the Amphur are planning to instigate a programme to ensure that the dustbin lorries collect from their houses at least once a fortnight...

 

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Coach Ekkapol Chantawong, now a monk with the monastic name "Wisarntho" (the wise and brave one) 

The wise one? It was his irresponsibility that got them into trouble in the first place.